Jusuf Kalla: PMI Prepares For Climate Disaster

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) M. Jusuf Kalla asked PMI to be prepared to deal with potential natural disasters triggered by climate change, although on the other hand it remains optimal to help deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Today we always listen to how terrible COVID-19 is, but according to experts, an even bigger disaster will emerge, namely weather change or climate change," he said while giving a speech at the inauguration of the PMI DIY Executive for the period of 2021-2026 at the Kepatihan Ward. Yogyakarta, Friday night, October 9th.

He said disasters caused by climate change, such as floods, had hit a number of countries in Europe, the United States, Asia and Africa.

"Floods, earthquakes, and the dangers of natural changes. That's why besides us dealing with the COVID-19 problem, we must also be ready to deal with further natural disasters if any," he said.

According to Kalla, PMI always tries to work well and as soon as possible to help the community according to humanitarian principles without having discriminatory boundaries.

In addition to providing assistance, he said, PMI volunteers also need to be present to provide information and understanding to the public regarding efforts to improve the environment.

"We must also provide mitigation to the community and provide explanations to the community, provide information assistance to the community. Because only with that assistance can we prevent greater dangers," he said.

With good cooperation between PMI Central and PMI at the regional level, he hopes, the large impact of disasters that may occur can be avoided.

"PMI is meaningless without PMI in the regions as the spearhead of solving problems in the regions," he said.